Despotic: meaning, definitions and examples
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despotic
[ dɪˈspɒtɪk ]
in politics
Exercising absolute power in a cruel or oppressive way.
Synonyms
authoritarian, autocratic, dictatorial, tyrannical
Examples of usage
- The despotic ruler arrested anyone who dared to speak out against him.
- The despotic regime suppressed any form of dissent among the population.
in a relationship
Exercising control over someone in an unreasonable or oppressive way.
Synonyms
controlling, domineering, oppressive, tyrannical
Examples of usage
- His despotic behavior towards his partner led to the breakdown of their relationship.
- She felt suffocated by his despotic demands and decided to end the relationship.
Translations
Translations of the word "despotic" in other languages:
🇵🇹 despótico
🇮🇳 तानाशाही
🇩🇪 despotisch
🇮🇩 despotik
🇺🇦 деспотичний
🇵🇱 despotyczny
🇯🇵 専制的 (せんせいてき)
🇫🇷 despotique
🇪🇸 despótico
🇹🇷 despotik
🇰🇷 전제적인 (jeonjejeog-in)
🇸🇦 استبدادي
🇨🇿 despotický
🇸🇰 despotický
🇨🇳 专制的 (zhuānzhì de)
🇸🇮 despotičen
🇮🇸 despótískur
🇰🇿 деспоттық
🇬🇪 დესპოტური
🇦🇿 despotik
🇲🇽 despótico
Word origin
The word 'despotic' originates from the Greek word 'despotikos', which means 'lordly' or 'masterful'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century to describe a ruler or person who exercises absolute power. Over time, 'despotic' has come to also refer to oppressive or tyrannical behavior in various contexts.
See also: despotically, despotism.